History
Our journey began with an unexpected meeting between our founder and a school principal during a teacher’s seminar at Parklands Sports Club in Nairobi, in April, 2006.
Our founder, a keynote speaker at the event, passionately addressed learning difficulties and methods for identifying struggling students. Several educators, enlightened by the seminar, identified students with learning difficulties in their classrooms and informed the principal, who referred the parents to our founder for specialized assessment. Initially, three parents sought assessments for their children, revealing the need for a multidisciplinary approach to accurately evaluate their needs.
One parent, whose seventh-grade daughter, Wangari, faced academic challenges, sought not just understanding but also intervention. Together with our founder, they agreed on a fee and a series of sessions. Despite initial struggles, Wangari gradually improved, particularly in English composition, demonstrating refined skills and timely completion of tasks. The success with Wangari prompted increased demand for our assessment services and programs. Consequently, our team expanded to include professionals in psychology, special education, medicine, and sociology, enriching our mentorship program.
This history is not just a record of our past; it is the cornerstone upon which we build a future of endless possibilities, learning from each triumph and each mistake to forge a path of continuous improvement.
2007
We received an invitation to work with a class at Butere Girls in Kakamega County. This marked the beginning of our services spreading to schools in the former western province. In the same year, we were contracted to assess students and develop a comprehensive self-esteem and academic confidence-building program for a girls’ school in Busia.
2008
We undertook a rebranding effort and introduced additional programs alongside our core mentorship, including a Positive Discipline program for teachers and Effective Exam Preparations, Effective Student Council Leadership and School Peer-Counselor training for schools. We also began sharing our knowledge through published books. Our first book Effective Study Skills, sold 7 copies
2009
As the years progressed, our impact deepened. In 2009, we embarked on the first phase of our Career Guidance Research, investigating the preferred career choices of students. This marked the beginning of our data-driven approach to understanding student aspirations. We also expanded our reach from Nairobi to Eastern, Rift-Valley, Western, and Nyanza Provinces. We published more students support handbooks.
2010
In 2010, we unveiled the Preliminary Report and Resources for Heads of Department (HoD), reinforcing our commitment to equip educational leaders with essential tools for effective school management. 2011 was a milestone year with the launch of the Student Life Guidance Magazine, enriching schools with insightful resources on student well-being and personal development.
2012
The subsequent years brought further innovation. In 2012, we introduced Student Council Handbooks and initiated countrywide training programs for student council members, strengthening student leadership across all school levels. By 2013, our focus expanded to include comprehensive manuals for Heads of Departments and Deputy Principals, providing invaluable guidance on roles and responsibilities within educational institutions.
2014
In 2014, our dedication to career development culminated in detailed data analysis from our Career Guidance Research, shaping our understanding of evolving student aspirations. The years that followed were marked by continuous growth and impact. In 2015, we delved into primary aspects of guidance with our publication on Motivating Learners, enriching teaching practices nationwide.
2016
2016 witnessed the launch of Teachers Magazine and the Effective Class Teacher Handbook, empowering educators with practical tools and insights for classroom excellence. The culmination of our research efforts in 2017 led to the publication of “The Law, The Learner & The Teacher,” an insightful resource addressing legal aspects of education.
2018
2018 saw the release of the third edition of our Starting High School guidance booklet, aiding students in their transition to higher education. 2019 marked the launch of the Primary Life Students Guidance Magazine, catering to the unique needs of younger learners and their families.
2020
By 2020, Ushauri Mentors embarked on a transformative journey with the commencement of the Ushauri Mentors Digitization Project, setting the stage for digital innovation in educational resources. The subsequent years witnessed significant milestones. In 2021, we meticulously mapped our website and refined our content structure, preparing for enhanced user experiences.
2022
In 2022, the culmination of 15 years of career choice research among high school students yielded valuable insights, shaping the foundations of our digital services conceptualization. In 2023, our commitment to innovation was further solidified with the digitization of training content and academic research, paving the way for our digital guidance and resources framework. 2024: The Launch of Ushauri Mentors Digital Guidance & Resources marks a new chapter in our journey—a testament to our unwavering dedication to empower educators, students, and educational leaders with transformative resources in the digital age.